Talking Points: Defense sinks NC State

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By Joe Ovies

1. NC State's loss to Miami is rather simple to break down -- defense.

The Hurricanes have the worst offense in the ACC, but their season-high 85 points was the third time Miami broke the 80 point barrier this year and the first time in conference play. The Hurricanes entered PNC Arena shooting 40.9% from the field and averaging 60.1 points-per-game. Miami blistered NC State by hitting 68% of their shots in the second half and finished the afternoon 27-for-46.

Since we're tossing out Miami scoring numbers, Canes have failed to reach the 50-point mark 6 times this season.

2. Despite head coach Mark Gottfried making the emotional turnaround a point of emphasis leading up to Miami, the overtime loss to North Carolina might have cost NC State another game.

"We went to Syracuse and lost a tough one, then went to Clemson and I thought we didn't have energy," said Gottfried."The last two days that's all we've talked about, is getting ourselves back up and ready to go. I thought, again, we were very heavy legged."

NC State did mount a comeback and eventually took a 65-64 lead with 6:29 left in the game following a burst of fantastic play from TJ Warren. Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga called a timeout and made defensive adjustments. The Hurricanes reeled off 13 straight points and closed the game out on a 21-5 run.

"They made a run that negated our run and we just didn't respond," said Gottfried. "We just seemed to lose our drive at that point. We climbed the mountain...sometimes it's hard to climb it twice."

3.So there are pundits who really think TJ Warren isn't ACC Player of the Year material? Asking for a friend.

Miami did a good job holding Warren to six points in the first half, but the sophomore's 14 points and three steals in the second half brought life back to NC State.

4. While the loss to North Carolina effectively closed the door on NC State's NCAA Tournament chances, the Wolfpack had three winnable games down the stretch and the ability to better their seeding for the ACC Tournament.

And who knows what the future holds in Greensboro? Stranger things have happened.

The loss to Miami hurt their positioning. Worse, it acted as a premature ending for NC State's regular season in the eyes of some fans.

Smart of NC State to wear the black uniforms for this game. Funeral for the season and all.

Toddler10-21Mar 2, 2014

Have to admit that was funny. He better learn! LOL!

TeaBagOnLoveMar 2, 2014

View quoted thread

Hey Gott what about pulling the entire 5 out and put in the walk ons. How many times did the point dribble through the lane for a lay up? Always wanted Shaka Smart. Read where he has a top class coming in next year. Yeah a top class at VCU!!!! Think those kids are coming to VCU because of the school? Agree Hokie your guys do play with heart.

— Posted by Toddler10-21

Gott does not know much abut "pulling out."

Toddler10-21Mar 2, 2014

Hey Gott what about pulling the entire 5 out and put in the walk ons. How many times did the point dribble through the lane for a lay up? Always wanted Shaka Smart. Read where he has a top class coming in next year. Yeah a top class at VCU!!!! Think those kids are coming to VCU because of the school? Agree Hokie your guys do play with heart.

TeaBagOnLoveMar 2, 2014

View quoted thread

Gottfried's teams have never played defense. PLEASE hire an assistant that knows defense!!!!!!!!

— Posted by Deacons

Sorry, but NCSU will be opening a job search for a Head Coach after this season. Hopefully the new coach can bring a staff that can improve EVERY facet of the game.

#DoNotTouchWhatIsNotYoursCoach

DeaconsMar 2, 2014

Gottfried's teams have never played defense. PLEASE hire an assistant that knows defense!!!!!!!!

JPackMar 2, 2014

Worst day ever! NCSU, KU, and the (Carolina) Hurricanes lost. Glad yesterday is gone. What's with the PNC guys. Seems like they have both completely given up.

Raleigh Rocks 1Mar 2, 2014

So when will fire happy Yow part ways with her pick? I mean Lowe could lose to the Heels and go 6-7 in the ACC too.

Jeanne GunnMar 2, 2014

When State rallied and took the lead, I thought they had turned the corner and would win the game. Miami has length and athleticism, and they were able to grab a lot of rebounds. Tough loss.

jmcdow2792Mar 2, 2014

I agree that the defense was weak but so was the offense. Tyler Lewis hurt a lot on defense in this game and his offense was to dribble the ball until the clock was running down. I thought more of Barber would have been a good choice in this game with some more offensive attempts. Oh well. I hope we get to the NIT.